Jordan 2025

So, at the 4th attempt we finally made it to Jordan. The flight from Heathrow was practically deserted and this was reflected throughout the trip where we were often the only guests in the hotel and the sights were almost empty. We picked up the car from the airport without a hitch and the adventure began….not just the adventurous places we would visit, but the driving itself was an adventure. Crazy drivers, madcap Amman roads, endless speedbumps and police checks, not to mention getting told off by a lorry full of Jordanian shoulders for stopping on the road near the Israeli border. But the views from the car were amazing, rolling hills, dramatic mountains, scary switchbacks, plus camels, sheep and goats on the road.

We went to Madaba and Mt Nebu to see the important Christian sights. Drove north to Jerash for the amazing Roman ruins and then on to Umm Quais for the fabulous views over the Golan Heights, The Sea of Galilee and the West bank. A long drive took us to the Dead Sea where we floated in the salty waters (unreal experience) and then on to Aqaba for some lovely snorkelling around the Japanese Garden. Heading back North we spent 2 nights in the desert at Wadi Rum staying in a Bedouin tent. An unforgettable time, despite the cold. We finished off by riding back from the camp to civilisation on camels. The highlight of the trip was visiting Petra. We had a full two days to explore the vast site, visiting the Treasury at different times to see it change colour at different parts of the day, as well as walking up to the monastery and following the trail of the high place of sacrifice.

What a wonderful country with so much to see and do. The people were amazing—so friendly and helpful, even inviting us to break fast with them. We can only hope that tourism picks up for them once the situation in Israel and Gaza is resolved.